After three years of implementing the cut and collect grass cutting regime at the trial sites, the nutrient levels in the soils will have reduced, creating more favourable conditions to introduce some sowing of wildflower seeds and planting of wildflower plugs.
All the sites have been assessed by our contractor iDverde and Thomas Bellamy, Biodiversity Manager, at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The assessment was carried out to identify the current condition of the grasslands and provided guidance on the management over the next five years. This management will aim to create visually stunning grassland habitats with maximum value for wildlife.
The six sites identified for the enhanced sowing and planting in 2024/25 are:
- College Fields, Marlborough
- Harvard Close, Melksham
- Falcon Way/Hurricane Way, Melksham
- Falcon Way/Hurricane Road, Melksham,
- Fore St, Warminster
- Portway Lane North and South, Warminster
- Fieldways Hilperton
Wiltshire Council is not responsible for grounds maintenance in Chippenham, Devizes, Bradford-on-Avon, Pewsey, Trowbridge or Salisbury, as such these areas were not eligible for the rewilding trials.
What are we doing?
The meadow areas will be scalped (cut on lowest setting) to remove all existing vegetation in autumn as the weather conditions are more likely to be favourable. The bare ground will then be harrowed to loosen the soil and prepare it for seeding. The wildflower seeds will comprise of both annual and perennial species. Once the seeds have been sown they will be gently pressed using a roller to ensure contact with the soil, which is essential for germination and will rely on vernalization, caused by cold temperatures over winter, to stimulate germination in spring. The process of harrowing the soil will release the existing seed bank present within the soil
Works are due to start Autumn 2024, (subject to ground conditions) in line with Thomas Bellamy's' recommendations both in the preparation and the species of seed and wildflower plug varieties for each of the six areas.
What is being planted?
Each site will vary dependant on the individual conditions however a range of seeds and plugs which will be commonly used across the sites include;
- Betony
- Birds Foot Trefoil
- Black Knapweed
- Cowslip
- Field Scabious
- Greater Knapweed
- Lady's Bedstraw
- Meadow Cranesbill
- Meadow Vetchling
- Oxeye Daisy
- Red Campion
- Red Clover
- Ribwort Plantain
- Rough Hawkbit
- Tufted Vetch
- White Campion
- White Clover
- Wild Carrot
- Wild Marjoram
- Yarrow
If you wish to suggest an area, please speak to your local town or parish council. Contact details can be found: Town and Parish Council Details (opens new window)
